Kara Zorn on June 20, 2013 0 Comments Preparing for any large gathering can be difficult, but launching a 4th of July party can seem impossible. Fortunately, there are a variety of simple things you can do to make sure your party goes off without a hitch. The key is staying organized and effectively communicating with everyone involved. This is closer look at the simple things you can do to make your 4th of July BBQ unforgettable. 1. Start Planning Early The only way to host a great 4th of July BBQ is getting started early. You have to take care of food, decorations, activities, and more. To effectively manage all of this you are going to need some help. It could be a few family members or reliable friends. The key isn’t to get a lot of people involved, but rather finding a few reliable people who are willing to carry their weight. 2. Set the Mood It’s the 4th July, so act like it. Take advantage of colorful invitations and decorations that reflect the spirit embodied by a truly great 4th of July BBQ. This is the easiest way to separate your unique 4th of July BBQ from all of the other BBQ’s you will be a part of this year. 3. Know Your Guests Depending on who is attending your 4th of July BBQ, your responsibilities and the tone of the party can vary greatly. If you are hosting a family-oriented BBQ, then make sure you have some activities to keep the kids occupied and entertained. If your BBQ is primarily adults, then roll out the kegerator and plan more adult-oriented activities. 4. Timing Unless you are planning on hosting a fireworks display at the end of the BBQ, try to hold it in the afternoon. This gives your guests enough time to relax and enjoy the party without worry about their obligations later in the evening. Plus, it gives you time to clean up afterwards and still attend a fireworks display so that you can relax at the end of the day. 5. A BBQ is More Than BBQ A great 4th of July BBQ can be as much about the sides and desserts as it is about the BBQ. Embrace traditional BBQ sides like potato salad, pasta salad, and baked beans – even if you put your own twist on them. Since most of the food is probably going to be hot, try to include a few cold desserts to help people cool down. Homemade ice cream is a great solution that is easy to manage. Plus, you can make ice cream on demand, which ensures you aren’t stuck with a bunch of leftovers. 6. The BBQ Is Still a Focal Point While the side dishes and desserts are important, it is important you don’t undervalue the BBQ. Even if you are primarily serving traditional staples like hamburgers and hot dogs you should also include a few unique BBQ items as well. This is an easy way to make your party more memorable. With a few reliable friends or family members creating a memorable 4th of July BBQ is easy. The key is to plan ahead and embrace traditional 4th of July fare while adding your own unique twist.
